[Alan Roehrich]

Eddie,
It is typical to see close to 8000 RPM in Stock Eliminator these days, some are going higher.

Valvetrain in Stock is absolutely critical, valves, valve springs, pushrods, and rocker arms are all parts that require close attention. Of course, the new rule allowing roller rockers will help on the rocker arms, if they ever get the rule clarification done and published.

With aftermarket rods, pins and pistons, the short block life is good, especially for small block Chevy engines.

A leak down test will often "lie" to you. I've seen engines that "leaked good" that were way down on power due to blow by, and engines that "leaked bad" that made enough power to set a record. Fortunately, ring seal and ring life is a lot more of a science now, and has improved greatly.